Travel after surgery

  I want opinions,what have the surgeons  told you about traveling by airplane after wls? How long before you were in the clear?

how long until you felt like yourself again?

how long until you were doing your normal activities, I have two young children, how long should I expect assistance with the children. Two- three weeks or longer? Thanks for answering I'm in a place where there are no local support groups I can discuss these questions with. 

Don't remember when I flew the first time but I do remember fitting in the seat, YES!  I took a 6 hr car trip at 6 weeks to Volunteer at the World Equestrian Games.  I was fine.  I had to pack my food, protein, etc and I was in bed early every night.  I was 62 when I had surgery. 

I work from home and didn't really take any time off but did put things off that were not totally necessary when I was tired.  I certainly took it slow for a few weeks.  I was at least 6 weeks out before I really felt normal again.  My D3 was down before surgery and I think my energy came up and my D3 level did.  No small children here so someone else may be more helpful with that but you will have a lifting restriction for a few weeks. 

Many of us don't really have local support groups and this has been our support home.  Welcome to the LWboard.  We will be happy to be your support home too!!!

When I had my surgery I traveled a lot for my job.  It does require planning to do that.  You need to pack some protein bars and other foods that you can eat as the food available at the airport are NOT good choices (for the most part).  When you get in the airport beyond security buy yourself a big bottle of water to carry with you. 

But - I'd say it's up to you and how well you heal.  This is a major surgery so all rules apply that would for any other surgery.  Just whatever your body feels you can do.  Realistically I'd say no sooner than 4 weeks after. 

Children - well, again, it's major surgery but I'd say after 2 weeks you'll still be tired but bouncing back well.  I guess it depends on how old they are.  Toddlers - I'd get help as long as I could!  :)  especially if they need to be picked up, etc. 

Feel free to ask anything!

I'm going on a car trip across Washington state at 2.5 weeks out and I don't have many concerns. I figure in the car I can keep any sort of "back up" food I need like applesauce and protein shakes. On the way over we're breaking it into two days and on the way back I'll be almost a month out so I think one day should be fine. Also, I'm driving, which I'm not worried about. You might need to consider the weight of your bags if traveling alone early.

I think the main thing to think about with kids is whether they need to be lifted. With lap VSG I have a 10lb. restriction for two weeks and a 25 lb. restriction up to 4 weeks, but at two weeks out I wouldn't feel comfortable lifting much more than 10 yet. I have the energy to take care of my 3 and 6 year old, but am still grateful for help.

Hope this helps.

Laura

Thanks for the advice, I'm still working on the plan to insure my children are cared for after the surgery. All advice is appreciated.

I had to travel 200 miles for surgery.  Traveled home after 2 weeks and went back to work then too.  I was tired but manageable.  My kids are all grown so can't help you there.  I walked everyday after surgery so I think it helped get my strength back quicker - I alway took a nap every afternoon too!!

My suppose group is 4 hours away so this is my support here and it has been wonderful!!

Linda

Agree with Linda! 

But the toddlers, mine weighs 42 lbs (at 4 yrs old) and no way could I have picked him up.  It took me about 2 weeks to get back into it fully and also to return to work.  Even then I was ready to come home after work and take a nap.  Really glad I had the DH to act as a buffer.